Something to think about ….

Last week, Maine Governor Paul LePage made a comment about “white girl” and the political class in America goes crazy. Most every news organization in the country covers it and condemns him for what he says.

Additionally, the political class, those who seek elected office, those who profit from those who seek elected office and those who hope to gain employment with those who seek elected office similarly went crazy in falling all over themselves to condemn him.

Last Friday, Governor LePage held a press conference and apologized for the use of the phrase saying it is not exactly what he meant to say.

The people listed above would not accept his apology and immediately branded him as a “racist” even though his life has not demonstrated such animosity toward people of color.

Contrast that with the city of Philadelphia and the comments of their Mayor.

Late last week, a man opened fire on a police officer who was sitting in his car. A street cam caught the whole event, showing that as the shooter got closer he eventually leaned into the car to shoot.

The gunman said, (his words) that he did this in the name of Islam and Allah. He said that police protect the laws that are contrary to what the Koran says.

The gunman made these statements repeatedly and according to him, left no doubt that his belief in Allah and Islam was his motivation for his actions.

Fast forward to the press conference where the Police Chief and a Police Captain both spoke, detailing the shooting and both saying the gunman said he did this in the name of Islam and Allah. The Chief and the Captain were very clear in their remarks. You can find them on Youtube.

The Mayor of Philadelphia then stepped to the microphone and makes a few obligatory comments about the officer who was shot and his family. He then went on a tirade about how the gunman was not representing Islam or acting in the name of Allah. He further stated that the gunman’s actions had nothing to with Islam or being a Muslim. He went on an on about his defense of Islam and how the gunman did not act in the name of Allah.

Let’s see …

Governor LePage says something he should not have said. He holds a press conference and apologizes for his comment.

The media and the political class condemn him for being a racist. They imply that while he obviously meant every word in his original statement, his apology was not genuine. Clearly these folks, most of which do not know him, can apparently judge his heart.

In Philadelphia, however, a man repeatedly states he shot a police officer in the name of Islam and in the name of Allah. He says that police officers enforce laws that go against the Koran. He makes these statements several times, never backs away from them, nor does he apologize for what he said.

The Mayor of Philadelphia immediately jumps forward. He shows more concern for what the gunman said his motivation was than for his injured officer. He repeatedly states the gunman did not act in the name of Islam or Allah.

About Ray Richardson

Ray Richardson has hosted the Ray Richardson Show on News/Talk WLOB and the Lobster Radio Network for the last 12 years. He has written a newspaper column for various newspapers over the last decade and a half.

Additionally, he has written three books, including his latest, Every Stone Has A Story, the story of Wreaths Across America, which was released in the Fall of 2015.

Ray has been married to his wife Dee Dee for over 30 years. They have four children and live in Westbrook.